Now pay attention, children! I've a treat for you to-day!We're invited out to dinner by little Kitty Clay!I didn't know in time, dears, to get new dresses made,And some of yours are shabby, I'm very much afraid.

But you will be quite willing to share your things, I know;You wouldn't half enjoy it unless you all could go.'Twil take a little planning to get you nicely dressed,And I must start in season that each may look her best.

Lisette will have no trouble--her party dress is new,And she can lend her muslin and satin sach to Sue.Lucille can wear her tea-gown, and little Lucy AnnCan have Louisa's shirt-waist and Angelina's fan.

Dear Betty, in pink gingham, looks very fresh and sweet,And here's a cape for Mary that reaches to her feet.She must keep it on at dinner and say she has a cold,And nobody will notice her dress is rather old.

My dearest Angelina, I'm very proud of you.You certainly look charming in red and white and blue.With yellow fringe for trimmings, and stars on sleeves and waist--I'm very sure that nothing could be in better taste.

And then it's so uncommon--no one could ever guessWhere mother found material to make that sweet new dress.There! Now the last one's ready, and nobody would knowHow hard it was to manage, so all of you could go.

You surely do look lovely, but I'm tired as tired can be--'Tis not an easy thing to dress so large a family.I know we shall enjoy it, but really, I must say,I'm glad we're not invited to dinner every day!Thankyou to Rosie, (Rosies Palace)For bringing this lovelyStory.